Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I am making this quick post to let you know that I am still in the dark at home. I am using a friends computer to make this quick post to say "I have not dropped off the face of the earth!" I hope power will be restored soon and I will be back posting and visiting all your blogs. Thank you for sticking with me. - Maeve

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Wreath Wisteria Willis just lost her Mother, the only person she had in this world. Wreath is sixteen, by law, too young to be on her own and has no one to turn to. She peers from out of view of others, while they take her Mother’s body away, turns and flees before she is caught. Wreath has a plan, she made a list (as she always does), she is heading to Landry, where her Mother grew up. Here she will: 1) find a place to live, 2) buy cheap food, 3) finish high school, 4) get a job, and 5) go to college.

Can a young girl survive, alone, still manage to finish high school and fulfill her and her Mother’s dream that she should go to college? Wreath makes a few friends, not totally allowing them into her inner circle of secrecy. She also wants to protect the people she has come to care about. Wreath learns to trust and blossoms, allowing herself to be loved and at the same time, changes the lives of the people who have come to need and love her, as well. Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. I had the great pleasure of reading/reviewing this advanced copy. This is one book to add to your TBR list, make sure you find room in your calendar and your heart for this wonderful read, it is being published by Barbour Books, and hits the stores in October, 2011.

2) In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, cream the butter until light. Beat in the flour. Set aside.

3)In a small heavy saucepan, combine the lemon juice and sugar and simmer over low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. In a slow, steady stream, pour the mixture into the flour mixture. Beat in the egg. The dough will be stiff. Gather the dough together and knead on a lightly floured board or pastry cloth until smooth and pliable.

4) Pinch off teaspoonfuls of dough and roll each piece into a very thin pencil shape, about 5 inches long. When all of the pencil shapes have been formed, form ropes by attaching two "pencils" together at one end and rolling and twisting them together for a braided look, then form into a circle and seal the seam. Set about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.

5) Bake in the center of the oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden color and firm.

6.) While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk or beat together the confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons juice. Of necessary, add more juice by the teaspoonful until the glaze is smooth and of spreading consistency.

7.) Using a spatula, remove the hot cookies to wire racks. While the cookies are still hot, spread the glaze over the tops. Let stand on the racks until completely cool.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

No Room for Dessert is about Donahue Penelope Schneider, a girl so sweet they nicknamed her Dessert. Dessert is the oldest of four siblings, and she is feeling left out and forgotten by her parents. Dessert sees an opportunity to change all that, when her teacher suggests an invention contest. Nothing goes as Dessert plans. Will she ever get the attention of her parents?

Dessert is such a fun character. Dessert’s parents own a fondue restaurant. This makes for some fun background to the story. All of the characters in this story are a little quirky and Dessert is so much fun. The illustrations are nicely done. I found the book very entertaining.

Because of the background of this book and that Hallie Durand likes to visit fondue restaurants to do “research”, I chose this recipe:

Mix ingredients together and roll into balls. Press down with a fork. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Fondue Ingredients:

1 pound of semisweet chocolate, well chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of espresso powder
have an additional ½ cup of heavy cream on hand to add if the fondue begins to thicken in the fondue pot.

Fondue Directions:

Use a double boiler or add a couple inches of water to a saucepan and place a glass bowl on the top of the sauce pan. Make sure that the glass bowl is big enough so that it does not touch the water.

Add chocolate and cream to the glass bowl. As the water starts to simmer stir the chocolate and cream until almost all the chocolate is melted. Turn off heat and add vanilla and espresso. stir until the mixture is smooth. Transfer to fondue pot.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Mallory wants to celebrate having just turned ten, by having a sleepover. Mallory and her best friend begin making the plans. Mallory’s parents want her to have a small sleepover, but her best friend Mary Ann has other ideas. Mallory is too excited to say anything. The two girls plan to have a water balloon fight, tell scary stories and have a cupcake decorating contest. The big day is finally here. No one listens to Mallory when things begin to get out of hand. What will happen? Will Mallory have the best sleepover ever, or will it be the worst one ever?

I enjoyed reading this book. I especially liked the scrapbook part in the back and the good wishes that Mallory extends to the readers, at the end. The story and the illustrations are played out beautifully in this story. This is a definitely good read for the kids. There is a message to the story about doing the right thing even if it is not what everyone else wants to do. This book is an Advanced Reader/Review Copy.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

It is a horrible day for Harry. He is starting to go stir-crazy because the weather is still cold and icy and they are not going to have recess outside. He starts to play pranks and getting into trouble. After a scuffle with Sid, Harry and Sid are both sent to the principal’s office. This is all too much for Harry! Will Harry be able to behave or will he go ‘Horribly Cuckoo’? A solution comes to solve Harry’s problems from an unexpected source.

Horrible Harry is a popular children’s book series. These books are written from the point of view of Harry’s best friend, Doug. This is a fun book to read.

Rachael Harrie has put together a terrific campaign: Third Writers’ Platform Building Campaign. Although this is Rachael Harrie's third campaign, it is my first time joining. I haven't done a campaign before and I am both excited and nervous. I hope I can keep up with all of the other bloggers. From what I have read it's a great way to get connected with other writers/bloggers. I am looking forward to dropping by the other blogs and getting in touch with bloggers, struggling writers and published authors.

The campaign runs from August 22nd until October 31st. The list closes on August 31st, so if you would like to join up here is the link to do so:

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Hunter Brown and the Eye of Ends is the third book and conclusion in a series. Hunter can’t remember his last trip to Solandria or what happened. He is now returning to Solandria to search for his missing father whom he has not seen in three years. Hunter tries to piece together the pieces of the puzzle of his past. Tonomis, named the Watcher is keeping a close eye on his every move. What began as a simple search for memories quickly leads Hunter into a scary hunt.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this story. But, after getting into it, I found that it is told at a good steady pace. Hunter is a character that you enjoyed getting to know while reading this story. Hope you enjoy it, too.

Monday, August 22, 2011

I have recently read Number The Stars by Lois Lowry. This book is about a ten year old girl named Annemarie Johansen and her friend Ellen Rosen. The story told about the Nazis “relocating” the Jews living in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the year 1943 during World War II. Annemarie, with the help of her family try to save her best friend Ellen and Ellen’s family, who are Jews from being discovered by the Nazis. That is how Annemarie becomes involved in some scary encounters while trying to save Ellen’s life.

Lois Lowry dives into the thoughts of a ten year old girl to tell this tale and does it beautifully. This story shows that there was pride and human decency during a time of terror and war. I am glad I read this book, I hope that you will, too.

Directions:
Beat butter, cream cheese, sugar, honey, egg and vanilla in large bowl at medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Stir in flour, walnuts, baking powder and salt until well blended. Form dough into ball; wrap in plastic wrap and flatten. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.

This is a paranormal/fantasy read. Caitlin and Leah see themselves as painfully ordinary. These two girls know each other well enough, that they could be twins. Until, Caitlin discovers her true identity which changes everything. Discovering just how different she is provides Caitlin lots of dramatic scenes. Caitlin discovers that she is a pixie. How many girls can bring on a thunderstorm when they are angry?

Caitlin’s family both blood and magically related are protective of her. She must learn to embrace her birth right and trust in her friends or she risks endangering them all. The various friendships and relationships are believable. There is some exhilarating reading here with some creepiness.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Tilly is a one-of-a-kind silly goose. She makes the other barnyard animals laugh with her silly antics. She takes a bath in apple juice. She tries to ride the famer's cat. Is Tilly too silly. The other barnyard animals start to complain. Silly stops entertaining them with her antics. Soon the animals realize it has been a long time since they had a good laugh. They urge Tilly to go back to her old ways. Eileen Spinelli's story and David Slonim's illustrations are a perfect match!

Friday, August 19, 2011

To cool off after his brother colored all over his writing notebook, Jackson is left with the task of cleaning out the pool. It would have been a simple job to do if a freak storm had not come along and carried Jackson and the patio umbrella away. Jackson lands in the branches of a very large tree and can’t seem to find his way out. Here he meets a social misfit troll named, Stimple. Stimple has nose hair all the way down to THERE! There are other quirky characters, such as a squawky chicken named Miss Flaversham , a red-eyed rat and a thousand squirrels.

The story introduces new words with the explanations, for the reader to learn, right there in parenthesis. One of the ones that I liked was Dèjá Vu (explanation: Which Means You’ve Totally Been There Before).

Before Jackson can go home, he must discover what it really means to put down roots. This story has been imaginatively written and played out.

In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, cocoa, soda, and salt. Whisk to blend, then set aside.

In another large mixing bowl, cream together butter and shortening. And the sugars and beat until light and fluffy. Next add the vanilla, peppermint extract or oil, and the eggs. Mix well. Then add the flour/cocoa mixture a cup at a time and mix well. Fold in the Nestle chocolate mint chips. Use a 2 oz cookie dough scoop to place cookie dough on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and let cookies cool before garnishing. I like to slightly flatten cookies with a spatula while they are warm to remove some of the air, which makes them a little moister, in my opinion.

To decorate cookies, heat the white chocolate almond bark according to package directions. Spoon melted bark into a disposable cake decorating bag and slightly snip off the tip. Pipe the melted almond bark over each cookie. Sprinkle the Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips over melted white almond bark before it hardens. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container until ready to serve. YUM!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

This story is about a young boy and his bear friend.The two romp through a world filled will all kinds of berries.The boy and the bear feast on all kinds of berries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and more.This is a book with fun illustrations and rhyme. Bruce Degen did a wonderful job with this story! If you love berries, you’ll love this story.

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and egg yolks. Mix in flour a little bit at a time until a soft dough forms. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. If dough is too soft, refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Place balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Use your finger or an instrument of similar size to make a well in the center of each cookie. Fill the hole with 1/2 teaspoon of preserves.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

Second grader, Dawn Bosco wants to be a detective. She puts her skills to the test when her former best friend, Emily loses her birthday ring with the blue stone. Some of the kids in the class think that Dawn is a suspect and might have taken the ring. Dawn is determined to solve the mystery of the missing ring and clear her name. Intially she thinks she discovered who might have taken the ring, but discovers it is the wrong ring because Emily's ring had a crack in it and this one did not. Will Dawn find the missing ring and get her best friend back?

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Luna’s best friend, Mason was killed in an accident and she wants to be a pallbearer at his funeral. Luna is thirteen and has learned a lot in these few years of her life. Mason was Ruby Day’s only child. There was no one else to take care of Ruby Day. Luna decides that she wants to honor Mason’s memory by moving in with his mentally disabled mother.

Luna’s parents are not sure, that it is a good idea for Luna to go and take care of Ruby Day, at her young age. But, they support her in what she feels she needs to do. Taking care of Ruby Day isn’t easy. Ruby Day does have a job at a grocery store and she goes to work every day. Things seem to be going along fine, until Ruby Day’s aunt appears at the door.

Aunt Sapphire wants to take her back to the home and it doesn’t seem like there is anything to stop her. Luna discovers why the aunt is so persistent in shipping Ruby Day off. There are some secret papers that have been all taped up, probably by Mason himself. Could these papers help to stop the aunt’s persistence?

In a large bowl cream the butter and the sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs. Add in the vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking soda and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk to combine. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Stir in the oats and raisinettes.

Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on a parchment lined (or greased) cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let these cool for 5 minutes in the pan before you remove them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

It is bedtime for Edwin Dupree, but Edwin is not ready to go to sleep. He makes up excuse after excuse, not to go to bed. He creeps downstairs and says he is hungry. There he discovers his mother has been baking, he imagines that the things she has been baking turns into a room full of treats for him to eat.

Next, he is thirsty and imagines that the living room is transformed into a water park. There is bobsleeding with penguins when it is too hot, and a hunt for his teddy bear in a forest before he is able to settle down.

The thought of going to bed is a problem for many children and here is a wonderful tale, with beautiful illustrations, for this tale so well played out.

Preheat oven to 375F degrees. Cream together the butter and the sugars. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add in vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa and baking soda and stir into creamed mixture. Shape a spoonful of dough around each Rolo. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes. Cool. Drizzle with the melted chocolate.

Don't Forget The Milk!

Enjoy!

(Note: There are two posts today. I did not have an opportunity to post yesterday!)

This story is a humorous rhyming picture book. Rutie had to move from her old home and left her best friend behind. She is not happy! Ruthie's mood changed overnight. The moods grew big and ugly, like a Hippo's fat behind!

She must now fit into a new school and make new friends, and she isn't happy about having to do so. Ruthie is becoming rude and acting out. To find out what changed everything for Ruthie, you will have to read this story. Author, Margot Finke has a gift for rhyme and K.C. Snider's illustrations are wonderful!

Combine flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time and then add vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture until well blended. Cover and keep in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Roll dough out onto a lightly floured survace. Cut out into heart shapes, then cut off bottom point 1/4 way up from tip, straight across. You will now have a straight edge for the "top of the butt" and two humps at the bottom for the "butt". Place shapes onto greased cookie sheets. Bake 6-8 minutes or until very lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheets and cool.

Frosting:

Mix the frosting with the food coloring and spread on top of each cookie in a thin icing. Next outline the outside edge with the brown or black writing tube and squiggle on a tail in the center.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

American Dream: The New World, Colonial Times, and Hints of Revolution

Written by: Colleen L. Reece, Norma Jean Lutz, Susan Martins Miller

Maybe, I am partial to this book being a descendant from The Mayflower, myself. I am a descendant of Myles Standish, John Alden and Priscilla Mullins. Myles Standish’s son married John Alden and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden’s daughter. The stories in this book are historical fiction. There are many famous names worked into the stories. The children in these stories may be fiction but the other people are real.

Sarah’s New World: The Mayflower Adventure by Colleen L. Reece

John and his sister, Sarah are ready for their voyage from Holland to go to the New World, America. Soon it is discovered that the ship that they are traveling on is not seaworthy and they are moved onto the Mayflower. On board there are food shortages and sea sickness. Follow the adventures of John and Sarah as they travel to the New World.

Rebekah in Danger: Peril At Plymouth Colony by Colleen L. Reece

Rebekah is eleven and traveling on board the Mayflower to the New World. Rebekah, along with the other children see many hardships, sickness and even death. It is not an easy life they lead, they work hard to build their new life in the New World.

Maggie’s Dare: The Great Awakening by Norma Jean Lutz

Maggie is thirteen and she is not sure how she feels about the slaves her friends own. Maggie sees and learns the difference between peer pressure and doing what is right as she follows her heart.

Lizzie and the Redcoat: Stirrings of Revolution in the American Colonies by Susan Martins Miller

Lizzie lives in Boston at a time before the Revolutionary War. She shows compassion beyond her years for a British soldier when he is injured. Lizzie must decide where she stands. Can she see past the hatred others have for the redcoats and help this British Soldier?

You will be transported back in time while reading the stories told in this book.

Molasses Cookies(While researching my family tree, I discovered that Molasses Cookies were a favorite among the Mayflower voyagers. )

(This recipe has a special ingredient if you are making a batch for adults, this ingredient allowed the cookies to be kept in barrels on board the ship for a long period of time and still remained moist and delicious, - so, I have read.)

Cream shortening and sugar until light. Dissolve salt in water and mix with rum (water). Add baking soda to molasses. Sift flour with spices. Add liquid ingredients alternately with flour mixture to creamed mixture. Stir well between additions. Dough should be sticky. Chill overnight. In the morning, flour board and rolling pin. Roll dough 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with cutter (each cookie should be the size of the inside of a coffee cup.) Bake in 375 degree oven from 10 to 12 minutes.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Are you getting ready for back to school! Here is a cute little story about Franklin the turtle and his first day at school. Franklin was worried about starting school. The first morning he woke up really early and packed his pencil case with a ruler, pencil, eraser, and 12 colored pencils. Beaver can read, Rabbit can write. Franklin is worried because he can't do either of these things. Mr. Owl, the teacher (perfect character choice) notices that Franklin is worried and talks to him about it. Read how Franklin doesn't need to worry about school anymore and read what he teaches the teacher!

Friday, August 12, 2011

This book is so adorable. Itsy Mitsy has had enough of bedtime. Tonight she is running away. She wants to go some place where there are no more bedtimes, ever! This is such a fun story that will pull young preschoolers. As each page turns, there is more and more opportunity for laughter. Read how Mitsy packs to run away, packing a snack for Mister Roar and her dog, Pupcake. (how cute is that?) With some help from her Dad, Mitsy might want to run away tomorrow night, too!

Finely chop the chocolate bar into 1/8-inch pieces, more like shavings really. Try to avoid big lumps and chunks, which make flattening out the cookie dough later more difficult.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oats, walnuts, and shaved chocolate. Set aside.

Using a mixer (or by hand) beat the butter until fluffy. Beat in the sugar and mix until it is also light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice. Beat in the molasses, then the egg, mixing until both are well incorporated, scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice. Beat in the vanilla. Add the flour mix and stir by hand until the ingredients barely come together into a uniform dough.

Scoop out the dough in exact, level teaspoons. I then tear those pieces of dough in two before rolling each 1/2 teaspoon of dough into a ball shape. Place two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each dough ball into a thin, round patty with two fingers and then sprinkle the top of each cookie with a pinch of raw sugar. Bake for 7 minutes or until cookies are golden. Remove from oven, and cool on a wire rack.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

A messy desk never bothered Amber before, but now that there is a treat involved from the "Deskarina" (the desk fairy), she may just change her mind to keep her desk clean. After being passed over for the special treat and watching the other students receive their award, Amber is going to give it a try and keep her desk clean.

Amber discovers that she can put her trash in the garbage can, instead of her desk. Now things are organized and easier to find. This is a cute imaginative book on a daily issue with students and their messy desks. This book made me laugh.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt until evenly mixed. Add peanut butter and butter. Using a mixer, blend on medium speed until crumbly, about 3 minutes. Add honey and milk. Mix until thoroughly combined. Mixture will be very thick.

Roll dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Using your thumb or finger, press an indentation into the center of each ball, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Fill each cookie with jelly, jam or preserves. (A recycled plastic honey bear squirt bottle works well for this purpose.)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Emma is 12 years old, almost 6 feet tall, and was given the name of Emma Freke at birth. You would think that her mother would at least have sounded out her name before actually giving it to Emma!

Emma is out of place and invisible at school. Her mom decides to give her a thoughtful gift this year for her birthday, Home-schooling at the public library. She also receives an invitation to a Freke family reunion in Wisconsin. There she gets to meet the family of the father she never met.

This is a fun story of a young girl how thinks she is a freak. Read how Emma desperately tries to grow into herself and whether or not she is a “freak” or even a “Freke”. I, Emma Freke is about just enjoying who you areand letting go of the past. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I hope you do, too!

Beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, mint extract and chopped mint leaves. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt together in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients mixture in parts, about 1/3 at a time and beating well after each addition. Divide the cookie dough in half. Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the thin mint cookie dough up from the long end into a long, tight roll about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 5-6 hours). When you’re preparing to bake, put your rolls of thin mint cookie dough in the freezer.

Get out your cookie sheets and preheat your oven to 350 degrees. After a half hour or so, pull out your cookie dough rolls and slice them 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick with a sharp knife. If you had trouble rolling your dough into a long roll and your cookies are a little thin, feel free to squish your disc down a bit if you like. Bake about 10 minutes minutes.

While the cookies are cooling, melt your butter and chopped chocolate in a double boiler, stirring semi-constantly to avoid it scalding or burning. While the cookies are warm but nearing room temperature, plop them in the chocolate mixture and turn over once or twice to coat completely, then cool on a wire rack with waxed paper below it to catch the drippings, or directly on wax or parchment paper if you want.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

This is an ABC Photobook. Fly through the ABC's with your child. There are beautiful pictures of all types of birds/ducks, etc., with funfacts to entertain and educate. Bufflehead is one of the featured ducks in the book, it is also one of the smallest ducks around. See why the Bufflehead and many others get their name. A fun to learn and read book.

Place first 5 ingredients in your mixing bowl. Add next 4 ingredients. Mix. Now add the oats and seeds. Drop by the spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 12 minutes for a softer chewier cookie, or 15 minutes for a crispier cookie.

p.s. You could easily add chocolate chips or dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries to this recipe.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Now, how can you resist reading this book, once you have looked into Bailey's eyes. Bailey is the family dog, and is just looking for a comfortable place to sleep. Every night, Bailey travels from room to room. He starts with Brother's room, here Brother tosses and turns. He moves onto Sister's room, she is surrounded by her stuffed animals, and it goes on from there. Finally, Bailey returns to Brother's room and settles back in. The illustrations are wonderful, in this almost-wordless book.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

When I heard that this book was coming out on July 19th, I made sure I was at the book store to get it! I knew it was a must-read, and I read this book in ONE sitting!

Bean, whose real name is Pearl, is the main character of the story. Henry is her best friend. Bean and Henry spend their summer watching Soaps. The characters are great, and realistically flawed. Bean's mother is usually suffering from a hangover and Henry's mother has not left the house in years.

Bean's grandfather is the only father figure she has known. When Gus dies, Bean struggles with the unusual reaction her mother has; she seems happier. Bean is shocked to discover that the Gus she knew and loved was not the Gus that her mother knew. Gus' death opens a can of worms and family secrets spill out. There were twists and turns that kept me guessing and wondering what would come next.

If you want to know what happens to Bean and Henry, you must get this book for yourself. I loved it!

On this post, I have an additional note: I have been privileged to attend two SCBWI events where Jo Knowles was speaking. She is warm, engaging and grounded. Jo puts her heart and soul not only in her books, but in her speaking engagements, as well. I have been influenced by her passion for writing. Twenty years from now we will still be reading and learning from Jo Knowles!

Put your Yogurt covered peanut on the pink icing.
Take your other wafer cookie and put two dots of white frosting for eyes.
Then put 2 dots of black gel on eyes.
Then stick your other cookie on top and stick it in the icing a little bit. So it looks half open like picture above.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

"The Clearing" is so amazingly written - it is a must read for both the young adult and adult. You can feel the energy in this book right from the start. This novel is full of suspense. The characters are well thought out with strong voices. There are two central characters in this story, Natalie who is bullied and humiliated by others had her boarding school, and Liam who is full of mystery.

The clearing is an area in the woods, near the school. It holds mysteries from three hundred years past. The story pulls the reader in, allowing them to visualize the clearing and the stories it holds. Liam helps Natalie travel to the "other side". Read as Natalie must face the truth about her past and her struggle to save her future.

I have been fortunate enough to have an autographed copy of Anne Riley's, "The Clearing". Even if I wasn't given this wonderful story, I would have bought it for myself. Anne is truly a gifted writer. I highly recommend this novel.

In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal. On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls, until cooled and hardened.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

This is the first volume in the Team Cheer Series. The story describes Faith’s experiences at Cheerleading Camp. Faith doesn’t think she is a typical cheerleader. There is one girl at camp who is a total snob and she gives Faith a hard time. Faith wants to fit in and prove to the squad she belongs there.

I really like the way the book is set up with “Cheerleading Scrapbook” pages in between each chapter. There are plenty of cheerleading phrases with a glossary at the back for reference. I thought the book was really well written and very entertaining.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

I had the great fortune of reading Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes! As a baby, Peter was orphaned and set afloat in a basket, blinded by a raven who had pecked out his eyes. Peter Nimble was brought into the world of thievery. The characters of the story bring added life and intrigue. Come meet Professor Cake, Miss Molasses, Sir Tode, The Missing Ones and Peg; learn about the Night Patrol. Read how Peter comes in possession of the Fantastic Eyes.

There are obstacles, excitement and mystery, enough to carry you into the world of Peter Nimble and the world of the Fantastic Eyes. There are three pairs of magical eyes that take Peter on a journey of adventure and discovery to his true identity.

Jonathan Auxier has crafted a tale of unforgettable adventure, you will feel you, too, have a pair of the Fantastic Eyes.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

What child doesn't think a fart is funny? Did you know that everyone farts? Even teachers fart. Here is a humorous story about the world's biggest fart and how it came about. Will this be the end of the world? This story is cute and funny at the same time. A clever look at one of life's embarrassing moments.

Monday, August 1, 2011

For the month of August, I am going to do something a little bit different. I am going to post a daily Books With Cookies And Milk. Everyday, I will post at least one new book. They will be a mixture of genres. I have read so many wonderful books and have a supply of more wonderful books to read. I'd like to share them with you. Of course, with each of these posts I will post a cookie recipe. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

A Kiss Goodbye

written by: Audrey Penn

Illlustrated by: Barbara Leonard Gibson

Published by: Tanglewood Press, LLC

Chester Racoon is not happy about having to move. His Mother wants him to look at the move as if it was an adventure, but Chester has not had much success with adventures. Chester didn't want to leave his tree. Follow along while Chester moves to his new home and finds a new friend. Moving isn't so bad after all!﻿

The Kissing Hand

Written by: Audrey Penn

Illustrated by: Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak

Published by: Tanglewood Press, LLC

Chester Racoon didn't want to go to school. He wanted to stay home and play with his friends. His Mother told him the ﻿story of The Kissing Hand to help comfort him through his worries. Chester finds reassurance and knows he is loved, and Chester loves back.

Chester Racoon And The Big Bad Bully

Written by: Audrey Penn

Illustrated by: Barbara L. Gibson

Published by: Tanglewood Press, LLC

Chester and his friends learn how to deal with a bully. With togetherness and showing no fear they win the bully over and have him join in their game playing and find a new friend.

These stories are heartwarming tales. The would be a comfort to any child in a scary situation, a move or starting school. Audrey Penn tells the magic of The Kissing Hand in each one of these stories. Each of the illustrators have done such a great job with the detail on each of the pages.

Mocha Logs

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1 egg

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/3 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teasboon baking powder

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate pieces, melted and cooled

4 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder

1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans

Directions:

In a medium bowl beat, butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add sugar and coffee until combined. Beat in egg and vanilla. Beat in flour.

Using a star plate in a cookie press, squeeze out 3" long strips onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 ﻿degrees for 10-12 minutes. Transfer to wire racks.

My Picture

About Me

I am a writer of children's stories. I love to write picture books, middle grade and YA. I am a wife, mother (of 4 grown children) and grandmother (of one). I came up for the name of my blog when our grandson was born. My husband said that he would like to be called "Pop!" After hearing this, I decided that I would like to be called "Lolli!" After all, what child wouldn't want to go to "LolliPop's House!" Hence, that is where "Lollipop's Cottage" came from. Besides writing, some of my other interests are sewing/quilting, cooking, drawing and painting. For our daughter's wedding I made her dress, veil, bridesmaids' dresses and my outfit (there are pictures on the left side of my blog). It kept me busy for several months. I have done a bit of traveling. I even landed on a glacier in Alaska and went dogsledding. But, of all the places I have been, my favorite place to visit is inside my grandson's hug. I melt when he says. "Hi Lolli!"

Mom Said She Would Be There

This story is not a children's story but, rather a memoir, as well as, the first story that I wrote. It is dedicated to my Mom:

I called my Mom today, to tell her that we were going to have a baby. She was so excited, and couldn't wait to see me. When we went there for supper a few nights later, she couldn't stop talking about the baby. We told her that the baby was due in October. She said, "It's going to be a girl!" Mom was going to make a sweater set in every color for the baby but, she was going to make a pink sweater first.

In April, we celebrated Mom's forty-eighth birthday! Mom hadn't been feeling well lately. It was spring time and everything was supposed to be fresh and new but, over the next couple of weeks, we found out that my Mom had cancer. Although we were devastated, we were hopeful that she would beat it.

As a child Mom was struck with polio, and she was told that she would never be able to walk. She did, first with braces; and then on her own. She was also told that she would never be able to have children because she had a tipped womb, along with other complications. The doctors were wrong; she had five children.

After the operation for her cancer, she was told that they couldn't get it all but, the doctors would try treating it with chemotherapy. After everything she had been through we just knew she could beat this, too!

Mom kept on smiling and joking with lots of talk about the baby. She wanted to know what we were going to name HER! We told her that we hadn't decided on a girl's name or a boy's name, yet. She just laughed. I visited with her every week, and she always talked about the baby. Each time, I convinced myself that she looked a little better. I couldn't or wouldn't bring myself to see that she was weakening, even when she was leaning over a pail and emptying her stomach because the chemotherapy was making her sick. She never complained; she only said that she was sorry, and she hoped that she was not getting me upset! She just wanted to talk about how I was feeling, and making sure that I was taking care of myself, and the baby. On one of my visits, I noticed that she was crocheting something pink. I knew that it was for the baby. I teased her and asked, "What if it is a boy?" She only responded with "It will be a girl!"

May came and went with more treatment and medications. Each time I visited with her she would be crocheting with the pink yarn. I remember telling her that she would be better before the baby was here. She was so looking forward to it! She told me that no matter what, she would be there when SHE was born!

The month of June rushed in too quickly, and precious time was speeding by. Mom was rushed back into the hospital. Even when they were putting her in the ambulance, as we were all crying; she tried to make us laugh, by discreetly sticking up her middle fingers on both hands. Mom always thought this was funny and would do it just to make us laugh. She was in a lot of pain. Now, my visits consisted of just me talking about the baby, hoping she could hear. She was heavily medicated and couldn't respond. Somehow, I knew that she could hear me.

My Mom passed away on June 25th. She went peacefully in her sleep. 'A Lovely Woman' is the epitaph on her tombstone. She truly was!

The next couple of months passed, with birthing classes, a baby shower, and the setting up of the baby's room. With each event, I kept thinking that she said she wasn't going to be there when the baby came.

Finally October was here, and it was the rainiest night that I could remember having. We were on our way to the hospital, in the downpour. The baby was trying to make its appearance; in the delivery room the doctor said "It's a Girl!"

Mom, you were right all the time! After the doctor cut the cord and laid her on my chest, I looked down and SHE was holding her hands, the same way you always did; both middle fingers up on each hand! It was then that I realized that you were with me all the time!

Dad came in to see us the next day. He brought a package with him from you to me. Dad said that you wanted me to have it. When I opened it, inside was a beautiful pink sweater, hat and bootie set; they had the faint scent of your perfume on them.

The baby wore the sweater set home, all snug and warm, as if in a hug from you. Thank you, Mom! Watch out for her, as you always did for me. Sleep well with the angels. They are lucky to have you! Thank you, Mom for being there!

Writing

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly...Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain." - Author unknown.